At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate a unique wine programme across 21 luxury hotels.
- Company: Family-owned Hand Picked Hotels, known for individuality and stunning locations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, private medical insurance, and travel opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with passionate shareholders and inspire teams to create exceptional wine experiences.
- Why this job: Transform an extraordinary wine collection into a market-leading asset while enhancing guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven commercial growth experience in hospitality or luxury sectors, with strong wine knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Hand Picked Hotels was founded in 2001 by owner and Chairman, Julia Hands MBE, and today still remains a family-owned group which has 21 unique luxury country houses and coastal retreats, each hand picked for their individuality.
Architecturally distinctive and quintessentially British, every hotel boasts an extraordinary location from Scotland to the Channel Islands, offering breathtaking views from vast countryside to expansive beaches, to lush woodlands.
Dedicated to creating unique and enchanting stays, curated personalised service runs through the heart of every hotel.
Whilst each hotel is individual, each property fulfils the company values of family, individuality, community and care, with a team commitment to aiming higher and delight their guests with magical experiences that offer a true escape from the everyday.
Hand Picked Hotels are committed to protecting the environment for a sustainable future, and all of our hotels have received the ‘Green Tourism’ accreditation.
A recognition of our progress in reducing energy use and waste, supporting biodiversity, and sourcing responsibly from local and ethical partners.
Hand Picked Hotels and our shareholders, Julia and Guy Hands, are passionate about wine.
With access to Julia and Guy's extraordinary personal wine collection, we are now ready to take our ambition to the next level.
We are looking for a Group Wine Director - Commercial to create long term value by building, leading and delivering one of the UK's most distinctive hotel wine programmes.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the shaping and execution of the commercial strategy for wine across our collection of 21 hotels, transforming an extraordinary private cellar of over 4,000 bins into a market-leading commercial and brand asset.
Working closely with Julia and Guy and our 21 Hand Picked hotels you will drive stock management, pricing, supplier partnerships and commercial performance, focused on growing revenue, profitability and guest engagement.
This isn't a traditional Hotel wine role.
It is a commercial leadership role for someone who sees wine as both a remarkable guest experience and a powerful business opportunity.
Key Responsibilities Own the commercial performance of the wine programme, delivering revenue growth, margin improvement and return on investment.
Develop and execute buying, pricing and stock strategies that maximise profitability while enhancing the guest experience.
Work closely with our Shareholders to unlock the full commercial potential of their private cellar, creating a genuine point of difference for Hand Picked Hotels.
Build strategic partnerships with producers, distributors and suppliers to secure exceptional wines, exclusive opportunities and commercial advantage.
Use insight and data to optimise pricing, ranging, inventory and working capital across the portfolio.
Create and deliver wine-led events, experiences and partnerships that drive demand, guest engagement and brand reputation.
Lead and inspire specialist teams responsible for wine service, education and stock management, ensuring commercial excellence across all 21 hotels.
Work collaboratively with hotel teams, Marketing and our Shareholders to position Hand Picked Hotels as one of the UK's leading wine destinations.
About You A proven track record of delivering commercial growth within hospitality, premium retail, wine or another luxury consumer business.
Strong expertise in buying, pricing, supplier negotiation and margin management.
Experience leading multi-site operations and influencing performance through others.
A deep understanding of wine, the premium hospitality market and the expectations of discerning guests.
Strong commercial judgement, using data and insight to make confident decisions on pricing, ranging and stock.
The credibility to build relationships with leading producers, suppliers and senior stakeholders, including our Shareholders.
The ability to lead specialist experts, bringing together commercial strategy, operational delivery and exceptional guest experience.
Outstanding communication and storytelling skills, inspiring colleagues and bringing our wine proposition to life.
Flexibility to travel regularly across our hotels in the UK and Channel Islands.
Our Benefits Competitive salary package discussed at interview Generous company pension, private medical insurance
Group Wine Director - Commercial in Kent employer: Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
Hand Picked Hotels is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead spa operations across stunning luxury hotels in the UK. With a strong commitment to employee growth through extensive training programmes and a supportive work culture that values individuality and community, you will thrive in an environment that encourages creativity and excellence. Enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous holiday allowance and a focus on well-being, all while being part of a family-owned group dedicated to delivering magical experiences for guests.
